Clotilde Sy (傳敬), Lucita Ong (傳慈), and Minda Cantemprate (傳和),
Advisors

In Ocean Sky, advisors Clotilde, Lucy, and Minda are collectively known as “the three sisters”. They each have their own families and interests, but when it comes to their spiritual cultivation, they give each other sisterly support by attending classes and joining Dharma ceremonies together in the monastery. It is interesting to note that their Dharma names, together with that of another relative, comprise the “Four Tenets of Chung Tai.”

Because of some sad experiences when they were young, the three sisters have consistently stated that they want to be free from the cycle of rebirth. The youngest of the three, Minda, said: “Even at the young age of 6, I already had the realization that life is filled with hardships that we have to constantly endure.”

The three sisters like to come to Ocean Sky, where they have been learning positive things that made them change their perspective in life. The eldest Clotilde shared: “I used to have a bad temper, and did not submit easily in any arguments. But since I attended classes in Ocean Sky, and listened to the lectures, I have become positive and can now find enlightening answers in Shifu’s Dharma talks. Even if life is sometimes difficult, I now know how to accept the conditions.”

Lucy said: “My belief in Buddhism has given me the greatest benefits. In Ocean Sky, all the Shifus have their own special qualities. Presently, I especially like to listen to Master Jianshu’s Zen stories, because through them, profound subject matter is made simpler with the clear examples. Guided by her Dharma talks, I have learned to live in the present, be optimistic and to let go of attachments.”

Minda added: “My sisters and I are fond of reciting the sutras because it keeps our minds still. We particularly like to join Ocean Sky ceremonies because here, the chanting of the Shifus is the best. We also like to listen to Dharma talks on the Surangama Sutra and the Platform Sutra of the Sixth Patriarch. In the future, if conditions are right, I would seek the monastic life.”

As advisors of the Dharma Support Association, the three sisters are concerned about finding ways to attract more students to the monastery. They continue to give suggestions on how to help the students in their study of the Dharma. Recently, they donated a color photocopying/printing machine to print liturgies, sutras, and handouts for classes and activities. With their generosity, the sisters are clearly and consistently developing superior and the most auspicious Dharma affinity with all the people in Ocean Sky.

As valued members of the Ocean Sky family, Clotilde, Lucy, and Minda are certainly on the right path in their cultivation towards a more meaningful life and their realization of Buddha Nature.